03/19/2018 Newsletter

Greetings from the Wine Cellar:

 

Next week marks the official start of spring here in the beautiful Desert Southwest, and you’d have to say the weather is completely appropriate as of late; a bit unsettled but generally pretty darn nice, not too hot and not too cold. Pretty spring-like… So enjoy it while it lasts, which is hopefully a few more months before our formidable summer sets in for the duration. Sounds like a good reason to stop by the Wine Cellar this week, enjoy some great wine and toast the arrival of spring!

 

THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING:

 

Bottega Vinaia 2016 Pinot Grigio (Trentino, Italy)    $17.99 This begins with bright aromas of orchard fruits like apple and pear, along with floral tones and a hint of orange peel.  The palate shows an intensity and persistence that’s rarely found in Pinot Grigio.  It’s fresh, dry and flavorful, with a crisp, refreshing finish.

 

Cantina Zaccagnini 2014 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Abruzzo, Italy)    $15.99 This native southern Italian red is an intense ruby red in hue, with a rich bouquet of blackberries and flowers.  The flavors are lavish and rich; a mix of dark cherries and plums with elements of rhubarb, cocoa and coffee.  The mouthfeel is velvet-soft, with mellow tannins.

 

Line 39 2016 California Cabernet Sauvignon    $14.99 The 2016 Line 39 Cabernet exhibits rich fruit flavors of currant and blackberry, plus a hint of mint.  The tannins are relatively easy, but provide enough edge to give the wine good structure and palate grip.  A fresh, balanced acidity allows the clean finish to linger nicely.

 

Zaca Mesa 2011 Estate Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)    $17.99 Zaca Mesa specializes in producing Rhone-style wines; they were the first to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County back in 1978. This shows a vivid blackberry, white pepper and mocha character, with notes of dried sage.  A perfect match with hearty grilled/roasted meat dishes.

 

Beronia 2013 Rioja Reserva (Rioja, Spain)    $22.99 This Reserva is made from carefully selected Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes sourced from older vineyards. It aged 20 months in oak plus 18 more months in the bottle prior to release.  An aromatic nose offers hints of vanilla, clove and cinnamon. The velvety palate delivers abundant berry and plum fruit, with pleasant accents of tobacco and spice.

 

Tres Sabores 2013 ¿Por qué no? (Napa Valley)    $24.99 ¿Por que no? is the quintessential party, picnic, barbecue or bistro red, thanks  to all the spirited joy it brings to the palate.  A blend of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, along with splashes of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, it’s a zesty, fruity and very tasty quaffer.

 

NEW WINE & BEER ARRIVALS:

 

Michele Chiarlo 2012 Barolo Tortoniano (Piedmont, Italy)    $54.99 This rich, yet delicate and very classically styled Barolo displays gorgeous layers of red berries, spices, floral tones and dried herbs, showing a superb harmony, plenty of depth, and excellent overall balance. A classic example of a fine Italian Nebbiolo.

 

Schloss Vollrads 2014 Volratz Riesling (Rheingau, Germany)    $18.99 Lavish aromas of honeysuckle, peaches and citrus abound in this vivacious, zippy Riesling.  Relatively dry in style, the palate is a bracing crush of white grapefruit and lime flavors that intensify through the long finish, accented by bracing ripples of a keen, slate-like minerality.

 

Niner Wine Estates 2015 “9” Estate Red (Paso Robles)    $19.99 The Niner “9” Estate Red is a blend of nine different red varietals. Raspberry and pomegranate notes on the nose are edged by vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and candied orange zest.  Ripe fruit comes through on the palate along with earthy accents.  Mocha infused tannins and bright acidity provide a fine structure for a lengthy, persistent finish.

 

Iron Fist Brewing Counter Strike IPA (Vista, California)    $7.99 Brewed with Galaxy hops from Australia plus Citra hops from Washington State, this IPA offers strong citrus and tropical fruit aromas and flavors. Exotic hints of mango, passionfruit and tangerine give it a distinctly racy, refreshing quality.

 

Cheers!

 

Mike Shelhamer

Old Town Wine Cellar

265 S. Main Street, Suite E

Yuma, Arizona  85364

928-373-0405

 

http://www.facebook.com/oldtownwinecellar

 

 

http://www.yumawine.com